Viral Hepatitis and the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines
What is viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by medicines, alcohol, or a variety of other agents. When health professionals talk about viral hepatitis, they usually mean hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C virus.
How is viral hepatitis spread?
Hepatitis B is one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases, and also can be transmitted by sharing needles or by any behavior in which a person's mucous membranes are exposed to an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva (though only transmitted by biting). It can also be contracted during the birth process. The highest rate of the disease occurs in those 29-49 years of age.
Hepatitis A is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Persons with Hepatitis A can spread the virus to household members or sexual partners.
Hepatitis C is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person such as from a transfusion, an organ transpant, or IV drug use.
What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?
Symptoms of viral hepatitis can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tenderness in the abdomen, low-grade fever, sore muscles and joints, malaise, jaundice, darkened urine, and light colored stool.
What can be done to prevent:
Hepatitis B?
Avoid high-risk behaviors. Don't share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or pierced earrings with anyone. Practice "safer" sex, limiting partners and using condoms. Insure sterile technique is used for tattoos and piercings. All college students should be vaccinated with 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis A?
Practice good personal hygiene, washing hands thoroughly when handling linens or diapers from someone with Hepatitis A. Avoid contaminated food or water. A vaccine is available for those who may be exposed to hepatitis A.
Hepatitis C?
Don't ever use IV drugs. Avoid risky sexual behavior. No vaccine is available for hepatitis C.
How can I learn more about viral hepatitis and the vaccines available?
Ask your health care provider or St. Olaf health service staff. Visit sites:
Minnesota Department of Health
http://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases.html
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/
